Doctors are reminding people that the time in between Memorial Day and Labor Day is when the need for blood across the country significantly increases.<\/p>\n
They say people are more likely to be seriously injured in the summer due to car crashes, recreational accidents and outdoor activities.<\/p>\n
The Red Cross says around 25% of trauma patients require blood transfusions and up to 5% of them will need 10 or more units of blood. That amount of transfusions can quickly deplete a hospital’s blood supply.<\/p>\n
The organization is encouraging people to roll up their sleeves and donate. All blood types are needed, especially the group O which is often used for trauma patients. There is also a need for plasma and for platelets, which only have a five-day shelf life. <\/p>\n
Donations also tend to decrease in the summer due to school breaks, extreme weather events and people traveling. <\/p>\n